What They’re Wearing at Scholastic

ByRobin Kawakami

Bright colors and artistic expression aren’t limited to the office décor at Scholastic, the children’s publisher of “The Hunger Games” trilogy and the “Harry Potter” series. The company’s headquarters, located at 557 Broadway in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, has about 900 employees in a building designed by Italian architect Aldo Rossi.

“When you walk in this building, the idea of children is just everywhere,” said Billy DiMichele, vice president of corporate productions and creative services. Among the highlights in the office’s 12 floors: a big stuffed animal of Clifford the Big Red Dog, an outdoor terrace with lounge chairs, and colorful cubicles.

“I pick the brightest colors,” said Heather Carter, director of corporate research. “My dress is influenced by the primary colors at Scholastic.”

There is no dress code at Scholastic. Employees say the office is generally casual, while some executives dress in suits.

But for Carol Sakoian, vice president of Scholastic International, dressing conservatively comes with her position, which requires frequent travel to the Middle East, Africa and Asia to promote Scholastic’s global literacy campaign. “Since I go to conservative places, I don’t wear skirts,” she said. “I always wear pants and long sleeves.”

Some employees change up their office attire when they know they’ll be interacting with children. “Sometimes I will take off my tie to make myself less intimidating, and I’ll take off my jacket and roll up my sleeves so that it’s more casual,” said Mr. DiMichele. “I think sometimes kids look at this and go: ‘principal.’”

Virginia McEnerney, who oversees the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards (past winners include Andy Warhol, Zac Posen, Truman Capote and Lena Dunham), tries to find a balance between professionalism and self-expression. “I think it’s good for the kids to see that you can be an artist but also have a job,” she said, “express yourself on the job but also do something that’s purposeful.”

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